Director of Diversity Glenn Walker and members of the Multicultural Club presented assembly programs on Thursday, January 12, and Friday, January 13, for the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Division Heads noted that because school is not in session on the holiday honoring Dr. King, it is important to know the events leading up to this commemoration of him.
During the Lower School assembly, music teacher Lucy Warner recognized African-American music throughout history, showing a video from each particular time period. She then led the Lower School boys in singing songs related to each era. Two of the three presidents of the Multicultural Club also participated in recognition of Dr. King.
On Friday, a number of boys read excerpts from Dr. King’s speeches, while others chose to discuss his life and achievements, as well as his role models including Mahatma Gandhi and Henry David Thoreau. Admissions/Guidance Associate Alex Sheridan discussed Dr. King’s close relationship with Jewish community leaders, especially Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. He and Dr. King first met in Chicago at a 1963 conference on race and religion. Under the direction of music teacher David Prestigiacomo, the African drummers and hand chime students performed. Mr. Prestigiacomo explained the importance of the drums in terms of musical history, then led a wind chime performance of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” – often played at demonstrations during the Civil Rights movement.
During the course of these programs, students and faculty participated in thoughtful question-answer sessions based on the material presented, lending insight on how racism might best be alleviated, keeping Dr. King’s “dream” alive.